FDA Cautions Ghanaians Against The Consumption Of Washed-ashore Fishes 

Sintim Media on last week Friday, 2nd April, 2021 reported about some dead species of fishes which have been washed ashore at Osu in the Greater Accra Region. We also made reports on some dead dolphins who were washed-ashore at Axim. 

The Food and Drugs Authority has today, 6th April, 2021 sent out strong warning to the general public against the consumption of these washed-ashore fishes. 

In an official communique signed by the Head of Communication and Public Education at FDA Mrs Rhoda E. Appiah, the Agency cautioned the entire citizenry to be very careful when patronizing any fish from the market. 

According to FDA, thorough laboratory investigations are currently ongoing. 

Below is the official press release from FDA

The Food and Drugs Authority in collaboration with other State Agencies have been engaged in investigating and addressing the matter of various spices of fishes washed ashore on some beaches since Friday, 2nd April, 2021. 

While laboratory investigations are ongoing, the Authority warms the general public to desist from consuming the fish washed ashore in view of the potential rush of health and safety. 

Meanwhile, to prevent the washed-ashore fish from entering into the body chain, FDA inspection teams have be dispatched to fish markets including Osu Mandela Market In Korle-Klottey Municipal Assembly. 

Our Westen Regional Office has reported of sightings of dolphins washed ashore on some of the beaches and samples have also been taken for laboratory analysis. 

In these regions, the Authority has intensified its public education and sensitization and dish markets . FDA Regional offices along the coastline in the Central and Volta regions have also been alerted and are replicating similar efforts in towns along the coast. 

In this regard, the general public is cautioned to be guided be the freshness of the eyes and redness of the gills of the fish that they seek to purchase. 

The washed-ashore fish typically show signs of popped out and unclear eyes, dull coloration of gills, bloating around the abdominal areas and/or possible oozing of foul scented fluids. 

The public is hereby advised to report all suspected cases of possession or selling of these washed-ashore fishes to the FDA or Local Authorities. The consuming public is also cautioned to be wary of both fresh and recently smoked fish which are being sold at unsually low prices. 

Report to the FDA are to be made through the following contacts: 

055112224 or 0551112225 

Signed 

Rhoda E. Appiah (Mrs) 

Head, Communication & Public Education 

SOURCE: http://sintimmedia.com